Are you an early-career scholar in international law ready for your next big step? The Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore offers a Postdoctoral Fellowship in International Law 2026. This fully funded chance starts in September 2026 and targets researchers who want to build strong academic careers.
About the Centre for International Law
The Centre for International Law, or CIL, sits at the National University of Singapore. It focuses on top research in international law. CIL leads efforts to build skills in the Asia-Pacific area. They run workshops, conferences, and training for academics, government workers, and business professionals. The centre also pushes for research that shapes policy.
Fellowship Details
This is a one-year job that can renew for a second year if you do well. It begins in September 2026 at the Bukit Timah Campus in Singapore. You will work as research staff under Dr. Nilufer Oral, the CIL director and a member of the International Law Commission. Professor Joseph Weiler, a visiting professor at NUS, helps lead the program.
Key Research Focus Areas
You can apply with work in any part of international law. But projects on these topics get extra attention:
- Issues in the Asia-Pacific region
- Laws on climate change
- ASEAN law and policy
Aim for research that mixes strong academics with real-world policy impact.
What the Program Offers
This fellowship helps scholars aim for university jobs. You get one-on-one mentoring on your work. Join workshops on research design, writing papers, getting published, and teaching. Learn about guiding students and building methods. Take part in CIL events like talks, debates, and meetings with guest experts.
Who Can Apply
You need a PhD in international law from the last two years. Or you must finish your PhD by July 31, 2026. Show strong work in your thesis with fresh ideas. Include a clear plan for your post-PhD research.
Submit these:
- Your PhD thesis as a PDF
- A research proposal
- One or two published pieces
Three reference letters go straight to [email protected]. At least one should come from your PhD advisor. Letters cover your thesis, new project, and future promise.
How to Submit Your Application
Use the online NUS career portal. Deadlines are April 30, 2026 for best chance, and May 15, 2026 at latest.
Prepare and upload:
- A 500-600 word personal statement on your drive, goals, and background
- Full CV with education, jobs, publications, awards
- PhD thesis and proof of degree
- Research proposal up to 3,000 words on questions, methods, impact, and outputs like articles or books
- A 600-word summary
- One or two writing samples
Only shortlisted people hear back.
What Fellows Must Do
Spend the year on your research project. Aim to publish or get accepted for one or two articles in good journals. Or pitch a book to a top publisher. Join workshops and talks. Present at NUS and other conferences. Stay in residence in Singapore, with some travel okay for work. Follow standard NUS leave rules.
Apply Now
Gather your materials and send them through the NUS career portal. Apply early by April 30 for priority. This spot at CIL can launch your career in international law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for the fellowship?
You need a PhD in international law completed in the last two years or by July 31, 2026, plus a strong thesis and a clear post-PhD research plan.
What is the application deadline?
Apply by April 30, 2026 for priority, or by May 15, 2026 at the latest through the NUS career portal.
What does the fellowship offer?
It provides one year of funding (renewable), mentoring, workshops on research and teaching, and involvement in CIL events.
What research areas get extra attention?
Projects on Asia-Pacific issues, climate change law, and ASEAN law and policy are prioritized, especially those with policy impact.